What To Look For In Pittsburgh’s Second Preseason Game
Photo Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers head into a preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. With the new-look preseason, Week 2 figures to be the first time we see a majority of the starters get reps. Bills head coach Sean McDermott has already confirmed that the Buffalo starters will see at least a quarter of action.
With top end talent on the field for both teams, here are some things to look out for in preseason game 2.
Pickett-To-Pickens Connection
Sophomore quarterback and receiver Kenny Pickett and George Pickens started the preseason strong when they hooked up for a 33-yard touchdown last week. Pickett and Pickens look to show off their connection against one of the better defenses in the NFL.
It is also a chance for Pickens to prove former Steeler and current ESPN analyst Ryan Clark right after he got some grief for saying that Pickens is more talented than current reigning Offensive Player of the Year Justin Jefferson.
A big reason for the success of this offense hinges on the ability of Pickens and Pickett to take a step up from their rookie season, and a preseason game against the starting defense of the Bills is the perfect chance to put other NFL defenses on notice.
Punt Returners
One spot that is up for grabs is that of punt returner, as the return of Calvin Austin III has seen him compete with veteran Gunner Olszewski for the spot.
With Austin III returning from a foot injury that saw him sidelined for the entirety of last season, it is clear to see why the Steelers selected him in the fourth round last season as his speed gives an element to the offense and special teams that have been missing recently. Austin’s superior skills at wideout, coupled with the change in kickoff rules, makes it harder for Olszewski to cement himself on the roster in the special teams role he had last season.
Keeanu Benton
Keeanu Benton is another player to look out for this week. The rookie defensive tackle from Wisconsin had an impressive first week of the preseason, recording three stops, two pressures, a hit, and a sack. This week he has a chance to cement himself as a potential starter going up against the Bills’ stout interior offensive line.
Benton’s ability to stuff the run and pressure the quarterback from the inside will be invaluable for the Steelers’ defensive line. Benton’s success on the inside will allow for both Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt to attack quarterbacks who are forced to step out of the pocket. Saturday against the Bills will likely be the first time all three of them work in conjunction, and could provide some fireworks.
Kendrick Green
A player whose time might be running out is 2021 third-round pick Kendrick Green. Green struggled in his rookie season and spent the entirety of last season inactive as the Steelers brought in journeyman Mason Cole to replace him at center.
Green struggled in his limited reps during the first preseason game as he botched a snap and had a holding penalty. Green has found himself getting reps at hybrid fullback in an attempt to find a spot on the roster. We could see him get some time in this role as he looks to keep his spot on the squad.
Hakeem Butler
Another person who time seems to be running out on is former Iowa State and XFL standout Hakeem Butler. There was a good amount of excitement when the Steelers signed Butler from the St.Louis Battle Hawks, but unfortunately Butler hasn’t been able to justify the hype. He has struggled with drops all training camp long.
This, combined with the fact that Butler doesn’t play special teams, has made for an uphill battle when it comes to his NFL redemption. This week looks to be one of his last chances to make a lasting impact and work his way onto the roster.
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